AdminAston Villa have been dealt a major blow after Ollie Watkins reportedly told the club he wants to leave amid strong interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs has revealed that Watkins has made his desire to move to the Middle East clear, with Al Hilal already submitting four bids for the England international this summer.
The latest offer was worth around £45m, but Villa rejected it. However, Jacobs believes the Saudi club could return with an improved proposal, potentially forcing Villa to reconsider their position if a suitable replacement is found.
“Four bids have come in in the last few weeks, two verbal and two formal. The last one was about £45m, and although Aston Villa haven’t countered with a specific number, the feeling is Al Hilal are going to improve even further.
“And there’ll come a point in time, maybe, where with Watkins wanting to go and if a replacement is sourced, Villa’s stance may soften, even though they’ve been trying to get Watkins to sign a new deal.”
Watkins has been one of Villa’s most important players and became their all-time leading Premier League scorer last season. Unai Emery has admitted there is uncertainty surrounding his future.
“We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is our player. We have had offers for him,” said Emery.
“Now he is our player, there are 10 days more or less to finish the transfer window, we will see what happens.”
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